Watching your toddler take their first steps is an exciting milestone. Walking is a big step in your toddler’s physical development, and while every child learns to walk at their own pace, there are ways you can encourage and support them in this process. Here are some tips to help your toddler gain confidence and strengthen the skills they need to start walking.
1. Give Your Toddler Plenty of Tummy Time
Tummy time is an important activity for building the muscles your toddler needs for walking. By spending time on their tummy, your toddler strengthens their neck, shoulders, arms, and core, which are essential for sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking. Make tummy time a regular part of your toddler’s day, offering toys and encouragement to keep them engaged.
2. Encourage Crawling and Cruising
Crawling is an important step toward walking. It helps your toddler develop coordination and strength in their arms and legs. Once your toddler starts pulling themselves up to stand, they may begin “cruising,” which means walking while holding onto furniture for support. You can encourage cruising by placing toys or objects just out of reach, motivating them to move along the furniture to get them.
3. Use Push Toys for Support
Push toys, such as baby walkers or push cars, can provide your toddler with the support they need as they practice walking. These toys help toddlers balance while encouraging them to take steps. Make sure the push toy is sturdy and designed for toddlers, as it should be easy for them to hold onto while walking. Supervise them closely to ensure their safety as they explore with the toy.
4. Let Them Go Barefoot Indoors
Allowing your toddler to go barefoot indoors helps them develop better balance and coordination. Bare feet provide a better grip on the floor, allowing your toddler to feel the surface beneath them and adjust their steps accordingly. When walking outside, choose soft, flexible shoes that allow for natural foot movement and support.
5. Offer Hand-Holding for Balance
Walking while holding onto your hands is a great way to help your toddler build confidence. Gently hold both of your toddler’s hands or offer one hand as they take steps. This support helps them feel secure while learning how to balance and move forward. Over time, gradually reduce the amount of support you provide as they become more confident walking on their own.
6. Create a Safe Space for Exploration
Make sure your toddler has a safe, open area where they can practice walking. Clear any obstacles or sharp objects that could be hazardous and encourage your toddler to explore freely. A large, carpeted area or a playmat can provide a soft surface for falls, giving your toddler the confidence to keep trying, even if they take a tumble.
7. Use Positive Reinforcement
Encouragement and praise go a long way in motivating your toddler to walk. Celebrate every small success, whether it’s standing up, taking a step, or cruising along furniture. Clap, smile, and cheer to show them that they’re doing a great job. Positive reinforcement helps boost your toddler’s confidence and motivates them to keep practicing.
8. Be Patient and Let Your Toddler Set the Pace
It’s important to remember that every toddler develops at their own pace, and some may take longer to start walking than others. If your toddler isn’t walking yet, don’t worry—most toddlers start walking between 9 and 18 months. Give them time to practice and develop the necessary skills without pushing them too hard. Be patient, and trust that your toddler will start walking when they’re ready.
9. Limit Time in Walkers and Bouncers
While baby walkers and bouncers can be fun, spending too much time in these devices can delay walking by keeping your toddler from practicing the skills they need. Instead, give your toddler plenty of opportunities to move around and explore on their own. Encourage them to practice standing, cruising, and taking steps in a safe, open space.
Conclusion
Encouraging your toddler to walk is all about providing support, creating a safe environment, and giving them plenty of opportunities to practice. Whether through tummy time, cruising along furniture, or using push toys, you can help your toddler build the strength and coordination they need to take those exciting first steps. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, so be patient and celebrate each small victory as your toddler learns to walk.